MaineCare won't pay for my CPAP --Major RANT

So I just get a call from the place that is supposed to fit my CPAP at home, and it seems that although MaineCare will pay for the sleep study, they will not pay for the CPAP machine because I fall into some restricted category (not a child and not a disabled adult or over 65). That is pretty scary since I now go to bed at night wondering which of the 150+ times I stop breathing during the night might be severe enough that I might not wake up. Shall I begin my rant about health insurance in this country (one of the wealthiest countries in the world!) and how it should be a right for every citizen and not a privilege for only those who have enough money to afford it? Longer lines? Yes, probably. But at least folks would be able to get in a line! And this fear about the government telling us what is covered and what is not...well, folks, we are letting large corporations do that now...HMO's and  pharmaceutical companies  and making millions while millions are living in pain and dying earlier than other who can afford treatment. Have we really gotten to a place where the lives of those who have money to afford insurance are worth more in this society? Oh dear...I could go on and on, but I must call maineCare and rail at them. Thanks for listening.

By the way, for those who don't know. I have worked my whole life and always had health insurance which I paid for with my employer's help, until the last 6 years when I became a fulltime student and a halftime pastor and could no longer afford it. After ordination I will be hired fulltime for a church and will have access to health care again...that is if I don't stop breathing in my sleep before it happens.

Ummm... I would have to say, fight that one!  So what do you if you stop breathing in the night?? They are so stupid!!

OH, Terri I am so sorry, I know how hard it is to be a student and trying to make good for yourself and you feel like the gov.  is stabbing you.  both my kids can't afford insurance, but make too much money to qualify for Maine Care.  My dgt. has such a hard time paying her college loans that she can't even afford gas to come and visit her mom.  and get this one, she ows on her taxes.  there is no justice.  we try to help her but it is hard, our son is in same shoes but is better budgeting then she, plus, he lives here with us, and has better luck.  we can't do all her loans and not his.  She is 30 yrs old this year.  She wants a baby so bad, but wouldn't be able to afford day care.  Boy Terri I hear you.  HOw much does the cpap cost?  is there a payment plan?  is there an alternative to the cpap?  take a deep breath, we'll say a prayer for you and things will work out.  Call a friend and go out for coffee.  Cheryl... wish I was close by, I'd go get you.

There has to be a way don't let it rest you go right after them. I can't believe that myself I would fight them though. You deserve to be able to get a good night sleep without worrying.

Ok....this sucks.......ummmm.......thornbushes!!!! I researched a little on MaineCare - I'm assuming that you are category 3. I couldn't find anything in the manuel to state one way or the other if it pays - what did they give you in writing about this? 

Nothing yet. I have placed a call to them and in the meantime a dear friend (the gay husband I told you about) has stepped up and offered to purchase me a used one for $250. The place that is doing the home study has them and also has supplies (masks etc) that are used and sterilized and donated so there is no cost. If I can get MaineCare to pay, I may be able to return the machine and get my friend's money back. Regardless, I am going to fight it, if not for me, then for all those other MaineCare folks out there who do not have a friend who can help them. It is ridiculous that they will not pay for something as life-saving as this machine.

Gay Husband?? hmmmmm sounds like a good vlog???

Oh, no...that's a private joke between oceanlady and me! You'll have to meet us for coffee to get the scoop, and I am not sure if we could trust you with it even then.....!

 you can't trust me???

well I don't know...that would be up to OceanLady since it all started with her....

(Ps...you do know I am kidding about all this I hope!!!!!!!!)